(A/N: Play music for more effect!)

Of all people, Dog thought miserably.

"YOSH! LET US RUN FIFTEEN YOUTHFUL LAPS AROUND OUR BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE WE CALL HOME! AFTER THAT WARMUP WE WILL STRETCH AND RUN SOME MORE!"

"Gai, perhaps I could just run a lap and see how I fare," Sakura stated.

"YOSH! AND THEN YOU WILL ADD MORE AND MORE UNTIL YOU PASS OUT FROM THE YOUTHFUL EXPERIENCE!" Gai yelled happily and began dragging her to where they usually started running.

:::

Sakura learned her body was not nearly as strong as she thought it was. Running even one lap was tiring. She realized she would have to build up her speed and stamina in order for her chakra reserves to grow too. At the end of the day, she practiced throwing kunai and shuriken with Gai.

"You are improving Sakura-chan! And in only one day! I hope I can be your sensei when you graduate from the Academy!"

"You are only a chūnin, Gai," Sakura pointed out. "You would have to become a jōnin first."

"YOSH! AND A JŌNIN I SHALL BECOME! I WILL TRAIN EXTRA HARD TO BECOME A JŌNIN SO I CAN TEACH YOU!"

This man does not know what the terminology of the phrase 'inside voice' or even quiet means. It seems he is overcome with 'youth'.

Dog watched in disbelief as the little girl put up with the youth talk.

:::

"Hey, Kid," Jiraiya greeted, just like the past two weeks. "Enrollment for the Academy begins soon. Are you going to sign up?"

"A parent or guardian is required to attend meetings and sign their offspring up to become shinobi. I have neither a father, nor a mother. I was not created normally," Sakura stated, her voice as monotonous as ever.

"Well..." The Toad Sage scratched his head. "What about me? I've gotta leave the village soon, but I can assist in paperwork, and whatnot."

"You are not my parent or guardian," she said. I have just used you to get stronger. Little do you know it will be you that unintentionally assisted me in destroying this village.

"I know...but you remind me of someone I...know," Jiraiya smiled at the young girl.

"Refrain from thinking perverse thoughts around me. Also, you are neither my parent or guardian."

"That can't stop you from being a shinobi." He was frustrated at this point, partially because she wasn't showing any emotion whatsoever.

"There are rules and protocol that must be followed. I am a foreigner." I am alone. I have only one purpose—destroy Konohagakure.

"What if I adopted you? Took responsibility of you?"

"Adopt: to legally take another's offspring and raise it as their own."

"Er...yeah..."

"I do not understand why you would want to raise me as your own offspring. You have become aware of my existence merely two weeks ago, yet you wish to do so."

"Do you know what bonds are?"

"Bonds, what is used to fasten things together. Do you wish to tie me up?"

"What? No! Bond can also mean friendship. Over the past two weeks, we have gotten to know each other better."

There is no such thing as bonds or friendship in the life of a shinobi. There are only allies and enemies. However, this may be the only way I can enroll in the Academy, and go further undercover.

Don't you feel a connection to this man?

I will remember that he has assisted in chakra control and such. That is it.

Yes, and as you learn more, you gain happy memories that you can associate with that you've learned! Now, when you think of chakra control, you will remember happy moments with Jiraiya.

Happy: showing contentment or pleasure.

Haven't you felt happiness?

Rule number 25 of the Shinobi Code states: "A shinobi never shows their feelings, no matter what the circumstances. Feelings are a weakness that only clouds their judgment and weakens their sense of duty." I do not feel. I am only a tool in the grand scheme of Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konohagakure.

You want to destroy the village I—Why would you want to destroy the village?

Jiraiya watched Sakura in curiosity. She just stood there, her face blank. Not even her eyes were blinking.

I have orders from Orochimaru. Rule number 20 of the Shinobi Code states, "A shinobi must never question their commander."

Aren't you above being used? You're an intelligent girl, yet you are submissive to the wrong people. Isn't it shameful?

Rule number 19 of the Shinobi Code states, "Shinobi have no honor. They have their commander's as their—"

Okay, okay, I get it. It would be wise to accept the offer, though.

Slowly, Sakura nodded. "I will accept your offer."

Jiraiya smiled. "Good! I'll talk to the Hokage about the arrangements, even when I'm not here."

Sakura nodded. "Let the training commence."

"Okay! We've gone over how to focus chakra in one point area, but do you know how to focus it in two? There are times when you'll be fighting on water, too. Today, we'll practice standing on water and moving around and fighting."

"The difference is the tree having a solid form while water does not," Sakura stated.

"Exactly! Let's go near the river."

:::

Dog watched curiously as the girl stood on water after a couple of tries. Still progressing quickly. Almost as though she absorbs the information.

For the past few weeks, all the girl did was train, read books, eat, and sleep. The only entertaining part was when she trained with Jiraiya and Gai. During their training sessions, he would watch how quickly she was learning. Her chakra control was impressive, even for a rookie chūnin, and her aim was very accurate.

She looked like a promising shinobi for the village. That was, if she swore allegiance to it.

:::

Sakura ran harder, perspiration fluids running down her pale forehead. It seemed no matter how much time she spent under the sun, she would never tan. Occasionally someone would ask her if she was sick, then apologize when she denied it.

"FASTER, PUT MORE YOUTH INTO IT!"

I wish I did not lack in this 'youth'.

Sakura ran faster, still on her ninth lap.

"YOSH, THAT IS IT, LAST LAP!"

:::

As the two cooled off by drinking water, Sakura was curious. "Gai, what is your purpose for being a shinobi?"

"It is so I can serve the village and others!" Finally, Gai had mellowed out. He gave a double thumbs up pose, his teeth a brilliant white.

Sakura nodded, and took another sip before she practiced throwing kunai and shuriken.

:::

Dog watched as Jiraiya began to leave the village two days later.

"Kakashi, you can come out," the Sannin called.

Swiftly, he jumped from the tree and landed next to the white-haired man silently. "I want you to become her sensei."

"Why me?"

"You two are similar in a way. I've already spoken to Hiruzen. He agrees."

Kakashi sighed, pulling his dog mask up. "I wish to stay in ANBU."

Jiraiya grinned. "Sorry Kid, I've already planned the whole thing out. Bye!" He walked off to the gates of Konohagakure waving a hand, now paying and supporting two children in the village.

:::

Sakura woke up immediately at 5:00 in the morning, just like every day. She ate a slice of toast and a couple of eggs before leaving her apartment with her pouch and tools. "Gai. Ready to run?"

"YOSH, but first we must stretch!"

The two stretched together. "Sakura, we should increase your weights, right?"

Sakura nodded and made her way down to the shop that carried her usual equipment. "Ten more pounds on each arm and leg."

The man nodded, and did as she asked. Sakura checked her watch. I should be able to run, shower, then head over to the Academy.

"So, Sakura," Gai said in a lower voice after Sakura paid. "You are starting the Academy today, am I right?"

"Yes."

"I've heard you have some interesting kids in your year," he said. "Be careful, but above all, be youthful!" The Nine-Tails' holder, the last Uchiha, the Hyūga heiress, and the next InoShikaCho combination, Gai thought, glancing at the small pink-haired girl. It will be rough...but I know she can make it!

Sakura starts her first day of the Academy next chapter! What will happen?

Will she meet Naruto again? Sasuke?